Carmen Del Rio

In Memoriam: Remembering Carmen Elisa Del Rio (October 3, 1922 – January 2, 2024)

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a beloved matriarch, Carmen Del Rio, who peacefully passed away on January 2, 2024, at the age of 101, while receiving the loving care of her family. 

Carmen left an indelible mark on the world with her fiery spirit, infectious sense of humor, unyielding strength, and resilience. She was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, and was the only child of Guillermo and Anna Maria Rodriguez. Carmen graduated from a local high school and worked for several years locally as a young woman.

Carmen’s early years in Bogotá were the foundation for a life filled with adventure and purpose. In pursuit of her dreams and recognizing the vast potential for women, she secured a position with the Spanish embassy in Spain as a nanny in 1961. Her work there revealed her innate kindness and nurturing personality toward children, igniting a passion for exploration and cultural exchange.

In 1964, Carmen made a bold and life-altering decision to immigrate to the United States. Fueled by a vision of better opportunities for women and a desire to contribute her talents to a new land, she embarked on a journey that would shape the destiny of her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her arrival in the U.S. began a chapter of resilience, adaptability, and an unyielding desire to succeed.

Upon arrival, Carmen settled in the Bronx and found employment quickly as a needlewoman in the garment section of New York City. She would work as a seamstress for the next twenty-five years and become a member of the Handbag Novelty Workers Union. She retired thirty-six years ago in 1987.

Carmen’s determination knew no bounds. After establishing herself in her new home, she petitioned for her daughter and grandchildren to join her in the United States. Her unwavering commitment to family reunification was a testament to her selflessness and the profound love that fueled her every action. The day her daughter and grandchildren arrived marked a joyous reunion, and Carmen’s home became a sanctuary of love, warmth, and the shared dreams of a united family. Her sacrifices and tenacity laid the foundation for a new chapter in their lives, filled with the promise of opportunities and embracement of a supportive community. From that day on she was affectionately called “Abuelita” by everyone.

Carmen’s greatest joy was found in the warmth of her family. She cooked wonderful meals with affection and care. Carmen’s love and devotion to her family, particularly her role as a beloved grandmother, were the cornerstones of her life. Her home was a haven of warmth, laughter, and cherished memories as she poured boundless care upon her grandchildren. There are fond memories of her taking her grandchildren to Woolworths and treating them to hamburger platters and milkshakes.

Carmen’s ability to bridge the gap between cultures and generations created a legacy of unity and strength. Her wisdom, compassion, and nurturing spirit became the foundation upon which her family thrived. Through her selfless acts of love, Carmen ensured her family’s success and became a guiding light for others in their pursuit of happiness. Carmen lived with her family in Queens, New York, and in 1975, she moved to Paramus, NJ, with her grandchildren and commuted to New York City every day. Later she also lived in Davie, Florida, for over twenty years.

Carmen was a zoophilist, and her affection for animals was a defining aspect of her character. Her love extended beyond her human companions as she found joy and solace in the company of feathered and furry friends. Carmen’s daily routine included a special ritual that endeared her to the pigeons who frequented her path.

After a day’s work in New York City, Carmen would disembark from the bus, and like clockwork, a flock of pigeons would eagerly await her arrival. With a heart full of kindness and affection, Carmen would share her afternoon with her feathered companions, feeding them with a tenderness that reflected her innate compassion. The bond she formed with the animals was a testament to her gentle spirit and the universal language of love that transcends species.

Carmen’s connection with the pigeons symbolizes the kindness and love she radiated to everyone she encountered. Her daily interactions with the birds reflected her ability to find joy in simple moments and foster connections with the world around her. The pigeons, in turn, became her loyal companions, following her in a harmonious dance that spoke volumes about the love she shared.

Carmen is survived by her daughter Blanca Pacini of Wayne, three grandchildren; Lucy Pacini of Wayne, Nestor Tatis and his wife Suzanne of Rivervale, NJ, and Luis Pacini of Sincelejo, Colombia; eight great-grandchildren; Joseph D’Alleman, Adriana D’Alleman, Isabella D’Alleman, Viviana D’Alleman, Jessica Tatis, and Jordan Tatis, Natassia Pacini Rojas, Talissa Pacini, and one great-great-grandchild Alana Rojas.

Farewell to our beloved and beautiful Abuelita. We miss you.

Donations in Carmen’s name may be made to the ASPCA, www.aspca.org